Newsletter 11 October 2023
Principal's Message
THANKYOU!
What an amazing morning we had on Sunday at our working bee! We had a brilliant turn out of parents and students and accomplished so much! Our Camino Garden, the central symbol of our Catholic Identity, received the love it needed. This reflection space now has some new plants and a seat for our community to use.
The sandpit is simply wonderful and was an instant hit with our children. There are many sandcastles and tip trucks at play there.
Our sought after ga-ga pit has also been installed by Dom, our maintenance man and will be finished off fully on Monday with a load of sand for the base. I have been in touch with our playground suppliers and they ensure me that additional playground will be installed over the Christmas break.
None of these additions to our school are possible without the tireless fundraising efforts of our amazing P&F and parent volunteers. Not only were these projects able to be completed but families were able to chat and our children play. It was the true spirit of the St James community at work.
If you haven't already, please harness the sense of community and fun that was evident on Sunday by helping out at Family Fun Night on October 27.
Kind Regards, Bec Kollaris
Fun Food Friday
Healthy Eating
Infants, children and teenagers have special food needs because they are growing and developing. They also need extra energy for playing and being more active.
Please ensure that your child/ren have enough food to sustain them throughout the day.
Term 4 Reminders
SCHOOL HATS
Please ensure your child has a school hat. It is a requirement in Term 1 and 4 of the school year that students are being sun smart. If your child does not have a hat, they will be directed by staff to play in undercover areas when outside.
PE
This term PE has changed from Wednesday to Thursday. Please ensure you child comes to school each Thursday in their sport uniform.
Congratulations
Congratulations to our Softball Team who have made is through to the SSV All Divisions Summer Sport Finals 2023 Fully Loaded Softball on Friday 20 Ocotober 2023.
Parents & Friends News
Volunteers required!
Call out for volunteers!
We haven't had a big response yet to volunteer in timeslots to assist with our Family Fun Night. This event cannot proceed without the help of volunteers. We are asking each family to donate just 1 hour of their time (or more, if possible!)
Remember - MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK!!
We appreciate our families giving a little bit of their time so that we can ensure the day/evening runs as smoothly as possible.
Please click on the link below to select your preferences of time slots.
Family Fun Night
The St James Family Fun Night will be held on Friday 27 October. This is the major fundraiser for the year, being organised by the hardworking Parents and Friends committee. We are asking all of our families for their support to make this a successful event!
Bingo News
At St James, we are fortunate to be able to raise money by taking part in Bingo Duties throughout the year. This has always been an important and simple way to raise funds. The P&F are excited to announce that for the duties covered so far this year, we have raised an incredible $3000, with a further $2000 expected early next year.
Many thanks to our families who have volunteered to take on Bingo Duty; it is much appreciated and helps our school immensely to raise much needed funds.
We are happy to report that the funds raised have already gone towards our new Gaga pit!
Interschool Sport
Year 6 Bird Counting
Schoolastic Book Club
Issue 7 close off date - Monday 23 October
There are some fantastic Christmas gift options throughout this issue, and in anticipation of lots of gift orders, the Gift Function on LOOP has been activated. If you would like to order as Christmas gifts, please select GIFT when ordering and we will call you to arrange pick up "secretly".
From the Office
School Fees
Current Fee Statements will be issued to all families next week. Thankyou to those who have made payment towards their school fees.
As we are approaching the end of the school year, please ensure finalising your fee account is a matter of priority. Any unpaid fees will be carried over and added to your 2024 fee account.
Payment of fees can be made directly into the school account, via EFTPOS in the office, or via Direct Debit. Direct Debit arrangements can be set up at any time and include options for fortnightly, monthly or per term payments. Please contact the office to obtain a Direct Debit form.
If you are experiencing financial hardship please contact rkollaris@stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au to have a confidential discussion.
If you hold a Pension or Health Care card, please contact the office to obtain the relevant paperwork to be completed and returned. Eligibility will then be assessed and an application for assistance to reduce your school fees will be applied for.
Updating Details
Please ensure your contact details are current and up to date. This includes contact numbers, email address, home/postal addresses and emergency contact details. If you need to update your information, please email office@stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au
Schoolzine App
This is an app that you have on your phone and allows for easy reading of the newsletter, as it customises to the screen and translates into many languages if required.
Please click the link below for the instructions on installing the app on your phone.
https://www.schoolzine.com/
As part of the installation, you will be required to enter the following 4 digit passcode -
3675
Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions or queries.
DS Sports
DS Sports has a new contact phone number! Please call 0466 733 407 if you need to contact the service.